U.S. Armed Forces Men capture international basketball title

U.S. Armed Forces Men's Basketball team celebrates at the buzzer after defeating Lithuania 89-82 to win the 2014 SHAPE International Basketball Championship. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol, pfphotography.be

Air Force 2nd lt. Mike Lyons of Peterson Air Force Base, Colo., dunks the ball during USA's 89-82 victory over Lithuania in the championship game of the 2014 SHAPE International Basketball Championship Dec. 1-6. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol, pfphotography.be

Air Force Capt. Matt Holland of Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., here with Supreme Allied Commander Gen. Philip Breedlove, was named the tournament MVP. The U.S. Armed Forces men defeated Lithuania 89-82 to win the SHAPE International Basketball Championship for the first time since 2010. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol, pfphotography.be

U.S. Armed Forces Men's Basketball team ready to receive their award after capturing the SHAPE International Basketball Championship by defeating Lithuania 89-82. Photo courtesy of Patrick Ferriol, pfphotography.be

Air Force Capt. Matt Holland of Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass., was named Most Valuable Player of the six-day tournament that featured teams from Italy, Kuwait, Latvia, France, Canada, United Kingdom and Belgium.

Team USA went undefeated throughout the tournament to capture the gold for the first time since 2010. Lithuania was positioned to win their third straight title, but the U.S. took off to an early lead in the championship game and held strong to steal the title.

First held in 1960, the annual SHAPE International Basketball Tournament is NATO's largest sports competition, attracting numerous NATO and Partners For Peace nations from around the globe.

Gen. Philip Breedlove, the Supreme Allied Commander-Europe, was in attendance during the finals to give closing remarks and present the awards.

The U.S. Armed Forces Men's Basketball team will next compete at the 6th Conseil International du Sport Militaire World Military Games, Oct. 2-11, 2015, in South Korea.